Since joining the NFL in 1996, the Baltimore Ravens have been amongst the league's most consistent and relevant franchises. They've won two Super Bowls, have produced multiple Hall of Famers and eras of contention, and now boast one of the NFL's most innovative offenses centered on MVP Lamar Jackson.

Prior to Jackson, Ravens football has typically been defined by elite and intimidating defenses—led by Rex Ryan, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, and more—rather than offensive playmaking. Their offenses have historically mimicked the physicality of the defense, and the franchise's impressive history of rushers (including fullbacks and dual-threat quarterbacks), tight ends, and offensive linemen far outweighs the talent they've lined up on the outside.

With that in mind, let's revisit the Ravens five greatest wide receivers.

5. Mark Clayton (2005-09)

In five seasons, Clayton caught 234 passes—second on the franchise list among wideouts. His best year came in 2006 when he posted 939 yards on 113 targets.

No offense to Clayton, Torrey Smith, and the late-career versions of the top three on this list, but current Ravens speedster Marquise Brown should crack these rankings sooner rather than later. “Hollywood” put up 584 yards and seven TDs during his rookie campaign in 2019 and displayed immediate chemistry with Jackson.

4. Torrey Smith (2011-14)

Smith had a shorter peak as a Raven than his rookie season projected, but he recorded a few particularly memorable moments. In 2011, He caught three touchdowns on his first three career receptions in Week 3—establishing himself as a deep threat for Flacco on his way to a franchise rookie record with 50 catches and 841 yards.

In Week 3 of 2012, a day after his brother tragically died, Smith posted 127 yards and two touchdowns to lead Baltimore to an emotional 31-30 victory over the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football.

Later that season, in the Divisional Round matchup with the Denver Broncos, Smith had 59-yard and 32-yard TD receptions, helping the Ravens escape with a double-overtime win on their way to a ring.

3. Steve Smith Sr. (2014-16)

A third long-time great receiver who didn't make his Ravens debut into his 30s, Smith Sr. still had ice in his veins for his coda in Maryland. For three seasons, Smith Sr. became the heart and soul of the offense, registering over 2,500 yards and 14 TDs. In 2014, he posted 1,065 receiving yards and started all 16 games at age 35.

2. Anquan Boldin (2010-12)

Like Mason, Boldin's prime came for another team (Arizona Cardinals), but he may have delivered his finest moments in Baltimore. A respected locker room leader and culture-setter, Boldin embodied the Ravens' swagger and grit. In the team's 2012 postseason run, Boldin posted 22 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns.

His third-and-short conversion in Super Bowl XVLII is among the most clutch plays in Ravens lore—and a perfect encapsulation of Boldin's signature toughness.

1. Derrick Mason (2005-10)

In six seasons in Baltimore (all after turning 31), the reliable Mason caught 471 passes for 5,777 yards (first on the franchise list) and 29 TDs, becoming a playmaking threat in the team's offense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7gp03Xxw8g

Considering the bulk of his Ravens tenure saw him running routes for Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, one can assume he would have been more productive with a different quarterback (he got one year of Steve McNair and three from Joe Flacco). In 2007, Mason caught 103 passes for 1,087 yards and five touchdowns.

Overall, he was fantastic with the Ravens, making him the top receiver on this list.